Wine and Waterfalls: Exploring Niagara with Prestige

The Niagara Falls cast their spell over all who visit. Their thundering power has been captured on film and commemorated in verse. The Niagara River marks the border between America and Canada, the beauty of the area is shared between the two countries.

But a holiday this region isn’t just about the falls! To supplement this spectacular holiday, I recommend a trip to nearby Canadian town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. From here, you can experience the wonders of the world-famous falls and enjoy lesser-known local pleasures, such as the local wineries.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

A gorgeous nineteenth-century town nestled in the beautiful wine region of Ontario, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a favourite with visitors to the area. A wonderful destination for culture lovers, the town was a refuge for British Loyalists escaping the American Revolution and was rebuilt in the nineteenth century after it was burnt down by American soldiers.

What to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Though the famous falls are just a few minutes away, this quaint town has plenty to offer a visitor staying longer than the time it takes to snap a selfie. Along with various sites of historic importance, each summer the town hosts world-class theatre productions as part of its incredible annual festival.

The Shaw Festival

A major cultural attraction in its own right, the Shaw Festival runs from April to November each year and features a range of theatrical performances, events and activities inspired by the humour and passion of playwright George Bernard Shaw. Catching one of the productions that take place across three theatres is an integral part of the Niagara-on-the-Lake experience.

Canadian Wine

Culture isn’t all that Niagara has to offer, however. Budding sommeliers have plenty of reasons to visit the idyllic wine region of Ontario, which is host to hundreds of wineries that produce an impressive diversity of wines. Visitors to the region should treat themselves to a few days of exploring the vineyards and sampling tantalising tipples in the area’s fine restaurants and charming country inns.

Liquid Gold? Ontario’s Icewine

The region is best known for its Icewine, a smooth, golden dessert wine with a rich bouquet produced by around sixty wineries in Ontario. The mysterious Icewine frequently wins awards and critical acclaim across the globe, but many are unsure about how this delicious delicacy is produced. Here are the facts:

The selected grapes aren’t harvested until winter arrives.

They are only harvested when temperatures drop below -8°C.

The grapes must be pressed immediately, whilst frozen.

This method results in a much lower yield than traditional wine-making and is financially risky, as crops can easily be ruined by the cold.

How to Drink Icewine

The golden delight should be well-chilled before serving and poured into a traditional white wine glass. Icewine is very sweet and is often thought of as a dessert wine, but it pairs beautifully with pâté, crab cakes and smoked fish as well as with soft cheese and fresh fruit.

Trust Prestige

Our award-winning Canada team has all of the knowledge that you’ll need – and then some more – to help you plan a perfect trip to Niagara. With a stunning selection of luxury accommodation and incredible local tours, they can help you make the most of your stay.

If you’re ready to organise your dream Canadian escape, get in touch with our expert team today.